People of Note
Sandra Blockley, M.B.E.
Sandra Blockley, born 1944 (Nee Hellewell), moved to Thurcroft when she married her husband Charles Blockley in 1964.
For ten years from about 1974 to about 1984 Sandra ran a children’s playgroup from Thurcroft Cricket Pavilion, while bringing up her own family of two sons and a daughter. After this she worked at Southcroft Engineering in Thurcroft for about twelve months, employed as a cleaner of the stainless steel, which was manufactured there.
Sandra saw a business for sale in about 1983, while still working at Southcroft’s, which was run from a shop adjoining what was then Thurcroft Picture House (now Paul Beighton Auctioneers), after much thought she went into the shop and put down £10 deposit; this was to be the start of Sandra’s business, selling Bric-a-brac, second hand goods etc.
While developing the business, Sandra, her husband Charles and family were about to experience a life devastating event. Their daughter Lorraine, who was studying at college in Crewe, rang home to say that she was ill. As a result Sandra and Charles went to the college, and on seeing her decided to bring her back home and care for her. After seeking medical help, it was found that Lorraine had Cervical Cancer. She was 19 years of age, but with the support of her family, she battled her illness until the 13th April, 1986, when she passed away.
During her battle with cancer Lorraine showed a very positive attitude. She was among the first people to receive pain relief through a Driver Syringe which made her last few weeks pain free.
Lorraine and her college friends from Crewe raised enough money to buy one of these syringes to help others. The syringes cost £300 each and Lorraine made her mum, Sandra promise that she would carry on the work that Lorraine had started. This was the start of Sandra’s Cancer Prevention Fund.
Thurcroft Bottom Club organised a concert in Lorraine’s name and raised enough money to buy a further twelve Driver Syringes.
Sandra left the shop adjoining the Picture House, and moved to premises on Katherine Street, where she stayed for
three years. In about 1992 she moved to a shop on Green Arbour Road, at that time the shop was in two halves, one half
Sandra's Charity shop and the other an Arcade, Sandra eventually took the Arcade over and the sign above the shop read
Lorraine Blockley, Cancer Prevention Fund. Sandra ran this shop for about 15 years until her son and daughter-in-law took
it over in 2007, though Sandra still runs a little stall outside the shop.
Although semi retired Sandra works voluntarily at The Bluebell Wood Hospice, and Rotherham Hospice, where she runs Bric-a-brac stalls and is always on hand to give advice when needed, and is a very much valued member.
Over the years Sandra has raised £330,000 for her cause, and she has certainly kept her promise to her daughter Lorraine, In June, 2007, Sandra was presented to the Queen and awarded an MBE.
Since Lorraine’s death, Sandra has worked tirelessly for her cause and except for the shops overheads, she has given every penny to her fund, seeking no profit for herself, a truly unselfish person, who deserves all the recognition that she gets, and no doubt she will carry on with her work for many years to come.
Sandra has requested that if anybody should wish to donate second hand goods to be sold or give money to go towards her fund then they can contact her on 01709 544243
©2004